IGNOUMATIC

The Indian party system has undergone significant transformation since the late 1960s, reflecting broader political, social, and economic shifts. While the early years after independence were dominated by the Congress party, the dynamics of state politics began to evolve with the decline of Congress’s hegemony, the rise of regional parties, and the emergence of coalition politics. These changes have not only altered the nature of Indian federalism but have also influenced the political discourse at the national level.

The Decline of Congress Dominance

Post-independence, Congress was the dominant party in both national and state politics. However, by the late 1960s, the party’s dominance began to wane, particularly due to several factors:

1. Internal Divisions within Congress: The split within the Congress in 1969, leading to the formation of the Congress (R) and Congress (O), showcased the weakening of the party’s monolithic hold on Indian politics. This marked the beginning of fragmentation in state politics.
2. The Rise of Regional Aspirations: The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed the rise of regional and state-specific political aspirations, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. This period saw the emergence of regional political parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in West Bengal, and the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.
3. The Impact of Emergency (1975-77): Indira Gandhi’s imposition of the Emergency in 1975-77 galvanized opposition against the Congress party. Post-Emergency, the Janata Party, a coalition of opposition groups, managed to break Congress’s dominance at the Centre and in several states. This marked a shift from single-party dominance to multi-party competition.

The Rise of Regional Parties

The real turning point in state party systems came in the 1980s and 1990s, as regional parties gained prominence, leading to more decentralized political power.

1. Electoral Realignment in the 1980s: The 1980s saw a marked decline in the Congress’s influence in many states, with the rise of new political players. In states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, regional parties like the Akali Dal, DMK, and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) captured significant political space.
2. The Impact of Mandal and Kamandal Movements: The 1990s witnessed the rise of caste-based politics, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. The Mandal Commission recommendations (1990), which advocated reservations for OBCs, led to the formation of caste-based parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP). In parallel, the Kamandal movement, linked to the rise of Hindu nationalism, led to the consolidation of parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in states with significant Hindu populations.
3. The Emergence of Coalition Politics: The fragmentation of the Congress, combined with the growing influence of regional parties, resulted in the rise of coalition politics at both the state and national levels. In the 1990s, most states saw coalition governments, and the Congress was no longer the sole dominant force. This gave regional parties significant leverage in state politics.
4. The Rise of the BJP: While the BJP initially focused on national politics, it gradually became a force in state politics as well, particularly in the 2000s. The party’s rise was marked by its ideological appeal to Hindu nationalism and its ability to forge alliances with regional parties. It gained prominence in states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where it built strong state-level organizations.

Impact of National Issues on State Politics

1. Economic Reforms of the 1990s: The liberalization policies of the 1990s impacted state economies differently, leading to varying levels of support for regional parties that could promise economic growth, employment, and social welfare programs tailored to the local context.
2. The Role of Caste and Identity Politics: As the Congress’s influence waned, caste and identity politics became central to state party systems. Parties like the BSP, SP, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) used caste-based mobilization to create electoral majorities. Similarly, the DMK and TDP capitalized on ethnic and linguistic identity to consolidate voter support.
3. Rise of ‘Political Outsiders’: In the 2010s, the rise of leaders who were considered “outsiders” to traditional political families has become evident in states like Delhi (Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP) and Odisha (Naveen Patnaik’s BJD). These leaders have successfully tapped into anti-incumbency sentiments and offered an alternative to established political dynasties.

Conclusion

Since the late 1960s, the party system in Indian states has become increasingly complex and diverse. The decline of Congress, the rise of regional parties, and the emergence of caste-based and identity-driven politics have reshaped the landscape of Indian politics. While national issues still influence state elections, regional and local factors play a significant role in determining the political fortunes of state parties. The decentralization of political power, combined with the increasing fragmentation of the party system, has led to more pluralistic and dynamic political environments at the state level.